Stefon Diggs explains the Patriots' new rally cry: 'No new pasta'

Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs says the new locker room motto these days is "No New Macaroni."

Sign up for the Today newsletter

Get everything you need to know to start your day, delivered straight to your inbox every morning.

Connor Ryan

FOXBOROUGH — In addition to being targeted by Drake Maye, veteran Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs has received unifying slogans and calls during New England's transformative season.

"We've got everything, everything we need," Diggs often preached during the Patriots' rebuilding campaign, with New England now looking toward a playoff game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday night.

However, as New England prepares for its first playoff game at Gillette Stadium since the 2019 season, the Patriots' locker room is fueled by new words -- a new mantra cooked up during the holiday season.

"We have this little saying, 'Don't trade macaroni and cheese,'" Diggs said Sunday after New England's regular-season finale, adding, "Somebody said that quote on Thanksgiving.They came to a family gathering and made a new mac and cheese.They said, "Don't change the macaroni and cheese." And we changed clothes that same day.

That message resonates more than ever this week for a Patriots team loaded with young players heading into the football playoffs.

Despite the higher stakes, Diggs emphasized that the best way for New England to maintain success and keep the season alive is to not change the formula (or recipe?) and stay the course as they prepare for Sunday's matchup with the Chargers.

"Like I mentioned last week, you don't go out and try to make a new macaroni," Diggs said Wednesday at Gillette Stadium."I'm not going with a new macaroni. We're just going with the same thought process and trying to cut back a little bit as far as putting a little extra time on your body or a little extra time on film, which will help you get an edge."

Diggs is no stranger to the postseason, with the 32-year-old making 14 playoff appearances in seven campaigns with the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills.During that span, Diggs has recorded 69 catches for 909 yards and four touchdowns.

But whether it's May, Christian Gonzalez or any other key player.On New England's player listThere are several unproven players ready to play in Sunday's first playoff game against Los Angeles.

Nerves aside, Diggs stressed that players like Maye can't adjust their approach as they prepare for Sunday's matchup.

"There's no new macaroni," Diggs repeated Sunday in May's first postseason start."I don't expect to see the same player, if not him, doing the other thing. ... You don't know what you won last week? Or the week before? Or the whole season? ... Were you trying to win your own personal reputation, or did you prepare properly? So I say, like, there's no new macaroni and cheese with me."

"I'm excited for Drake — it's another stage for him to shine. He's a great point guard. He's always been a great point guard. He's an MVP talent — in my opinion, he's the MVP."

Conor Ryan is a staff writer covering the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox, a role he has held since 2023.

Get everything you need to start your day straight to your inbox every morning.

Stay up to date with all things Boston.Get the latest news and updates straight from our newsroom to your inbox.

To post a comment, create a screen name on your profile

To comment, please verify your email address.

to be civilto be kind

Read all of our community guidelines